'Walk a Mile in Her Shoes' Event at NMU

MARQUETTE, Mich.—Northern Michigan University will hold a “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event, part of an international effort to raise awareness about the serious impacts of rape, sexual assault and gender violence. The event is scheduled at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 3. Participants will meet in the Brule room of the University Center and walk across Presque Isle Avenue and down a portion of Third Street before returning to campus.

April is national Sexual Assault Awareness Month. “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” originally encouraged men to march one mile in women’s high-heeled shoes to symbolize a better understanding of women’s experiences in the hope of improving gender relationships and decreasing the potential for violence. Both men and women now participate in the marches worldwide and heels are optional.

Male Wildcat athletes are scheduled to wear their jerseys and join in the NMU march. The event is sponsored by the Women for Women student organization, NMU Public Safety and Police Services, the NMU Health Promotions Office and the Women’s Center in Marquette. The NMU cosmetology program will offer foot massages afterward.